I love my little backyard garden. This time of year, my basil production is in full effect. That’s when I like to make a batch of basil pesto sauce. It’s only a few ingredients and the incredible, rich flavor is something I crave all the time. Pesto is such an important staple for so many people, and I can understand why. While the flavor is big and wonderful, it is a simple sauce that you can easily add to fresh pasta for a satisfying meal with friends and family.
Pesto, an Essential Italian Sauce
You will always find this exquisite sauce on pasta at any Italian restaurant you visit. It relies on high-quality fresh ingredients for the best-tasting traditional results. It is my go-to when I want an amazing pasta experience at home with little effort. I blitz it all in the food processor and voila! I have a simple, tasty dish ready in as long as it takes to boil pasta.
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Pesto
Blitz – In a food processor, add pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice, and pulse until chopped, it doesn’t have to be fine.Add Basil – Next, add basil, and with the food processor running, pour in olive oil and pulse until thoroughly mixed.The Cheese – Add parmesan and Romano cheese, and pulse just until minced.Season with salt and pepper to taste.Serve fresh with pasta or refrigerate.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
This sauce comes together easily, so you can make it in large batches and use it throughout the week. Store it in a glass jar to maintain a better flavor.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Pesto is best enjoyed fresh. Cook some pasta and add your pesto to the pan off the heat and enjoy a creamy Italian pasta dish at home. Go ahead and add this sauce to roasted vegetables, sandwiches, or pizza. Store leftover pesto in a tightly sealed container for up to 4 days in the fridge. You can freeze your pesto for up to 3 months.
What to Serve Pesto With
Pesto goes great with so many dishes. My personal favorite is Chicken Pesto Pasta, but you can spice up about any dish. Another way I like to use it is adding a twist to salad dressing, like adding a spoonful to Caesar or ranch salad dressing.
More Fabulous Sauce Recipes to Try
Conclusion
This sauce is an easy way to make yourself a high-class Italian meal from the comfort of your home. Use fresh ingredients to make a pesto that is bright and inviting. Try this recipe and tell me about all the wonderful ways you put it to use.
